I am the caregiver for my Mom. Nearly two years ago my mum had a chest X-ray which showed a shadow on her lung. The op was with curative intent. post id: 7579718607. But to me, the PET could not rule anything in or out without the further investigations and Biopsies. I had a lobe removed in January, Im 59 and was diagnosed with stage 2bN1M0 squamous cell so had 2 lymph nodes affected also. Fluid buildup in the lungs also happens due to poor kidney function. Or it may have no effect on your health. And it can detect abnormalities that are too small to be seen on a chest X-ray. She has now been anything. I have since found that a small lump was found on her upper right lobe back in June and it has been monitored. Hi. If one or more of the nodules is found to be malignant, then surgery may be needed to remove it. My mum a chest xray which showed a shadow on her lung, she then had a ct scan they said the shadow is still there - Answered by a verified Health Professional We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Lynne Eldrige, MD, is a lung cancer physician, patient advocate, and award-winning author of "Avoiding Cancer One Day at a Time.". I am a 47 year old South East Asian male. Don't worry, there is a lot of conflicting information out there, and I am not medical so I could be wrong. By quitting smoking, your loved one can decrease their risk of lung diseases like emphysema, which may lead to fluid in the lungs. Live and die on this day. Sometimes these are found during routine examinations or screening tests for other conditions. Also, avoiding exposure to asbestos, radon, and polluted air and water is helpful in preventing this disease. I have a cough and this is put down to a large hiatus hernia. but never really gave an indication of what it is? A biopsy may be needed to make a sure diagnosis. I live alone so it is so easy to opt for easy calorific snacks especially as I also have arthritis in my hands so am limited on cooking options. Like you I have seen that nodules are small but I hadn't thought about that making it difficult to biopsy thanks for pointing that out. Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal. Surgery being on the table is good, really good. Helpful clues include your medical history, family history, lab tests, and factors like smoking or exposure to occupational toxins. It could have been cancer, or scar tissue, or something else. I now have noticed that this post has been removed from this forum and I'm now very by my GP for the last two months for a chest infection. Consider it the first step toward a diagnosis. Into the last good fight I'll ever know. I was also sent for a colonoscopy to investigate that area. The Place In the Sun . Ask our community of thousands of members your health questions, and learn from others experiences. Air-filled structures, such as the lungs, appear black. It has spread to her lymph nodes and adrenial gland. Foods that help include: Excess salt consumption can lead to water retention in the body, which may cause pulmonary edema. It also describes the imaging tests that might be used to make a diagnosis. 112 vineyard lane friendsville. I know the best plan at the mo is to have the pet scan and see if there is any spread and then decide on next step whatever they tell us, Hi Seychelles, it may not seem like it but to be offered an operation means there is a possibility of a cure.it will either be a lobe removal, lung removal or wedge removal and they should explaieverything to you in detail. Never smokers are those people who have never smoked or have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Or are you expecting her GP to be the one to contact? But I think within a week would be a reasonable expectation. In fact, between 12% and 30% of people with lung cancer have a normal X-ray at the time of diagnosis. Very good to hear her remaining kidney is clear. My 62 year old mother recently had some pre-surgery tests done before an eye operation last Tuesday and was told that they found a small shadow on the lowest part of one of her lungs on her chest x-ray. Don't be afraid to gently chase those results either, it never hurts to remind them you are waiting. I have asthma and have had a chronic dry cough since last March. Lung cancer risks for people who don't smoke, PET/MRI and PET/CT in lung lesions and thoracic malignancies, Percutaneous lung biopsy: technique, efficacy, and complications. Am so sorry to ask but I can't face reading the booklets they gave us as its bringing all my anxiety back. What Causes Fluid in Lungs in The Elderly? So few diagnosis are early enough for this option. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Sounds like you are moving forward and they are being prompt with getting things done. Take good care of each other x. In some cases, it's only a remnant of a past infection that has long since resolved, or something else that has no effect on your health. Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them. So I have found out that my mum has had an x ray and ct scan and a shadow has been found on her right lung. One year later i had a double lung transplant and am now breathing fine! Posted on May 21, 2022 by . Over the years and what it is diagnosed as is nothing more than calcium yes no idea why or where it came from could be past chest infections but don't care as long as not cancer. I am just worried because she is elderly. Unfortunately, the only way they could tell was to operate and it turned out to be cancer. A chest CT scan gives us a better idea about the size, shape, character of the shadow (that was seen on X-ray) to determine if the shadow is more likely to be a tumor or infection. I waited 4 months for the results, I knew I had some fibrosis from other consultants I saw. Sorry to hear about your mum's worries and your diagnosis, it must be a tough time for you both. I'm going to help out. I too had a chest xray that showed "something". Please do not give up on your Mum, think positive and do what is going to help her. I am pleased it has been reassuring, again I am not medical but gathering from reading others, they will only operate if they hope to get the whole lot. Believe me this is very important. It may also cause the development of pulmonary edema. However, a PET scan detects the increased metabolic activity associated with active cell growth, which can also be caused by inflammation or infection. But she's had cancer before so understandably we're worried . People who have been diagnosed with lung cancer need to see their doctor regularly for follow up exams. I guess now its the waiting game. Good luck and bestwishes. Am Fam Physician. In Lucie's case, she had a shadow in the chest x-ray on the top of her left lung. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Lynne Eldrige, MD, is a lung cancer physician, patient advocate, and award-winning author of "Avoiding Cancer One Day at a Time.". I then asked for a Lung Transplant as I was on oxygen most of the time. Flechsig P, Mehndiratta A, Haberkorn U, Kratochwil C, Giesel FL. Live and die on this day. Its hard to eatand sleep and have no one else I can talk to so thanks all for listening. They found a polyp which they removed. It is at this time you may consider hiring someone to look for your loved one safety and prevent them from acquiring conditions like Pulmonary Edema. She is 68 years old and they told her she had less than a year (she was also told 1-2 months maybe a year). Also a problem with Acidex as it interferes with other medications. Sorry to hear your mum has been referred for further tests, but it seems they are keeping a close eye and acting on caution. Respiratory rate is the number of times per minute you breathe. I always need a goal to work towards. A shadow on the lung can be anything from cancer to an overlap of completely normal structures. Live and die on this day" - The Grey. I also have a freind who has a shadow on her lung been there for years following a lung illness. I am concerned that it is more serious than what they are suggesting. but everything i google comes back to LUng cancer.. try not to worry . She had another X-ray a few weeks ago which showed the shadow had stayed the same as the first X-ray nearly two years ago. "There are no perfect people, only perfect intentions" - Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves, I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou, "Once more into the fray. Jenelle, 31, has been open and honest with her followers about her health struggles over the years and took to her Instagram Story on Tuesday to reveal her latest diagnosis. By January 15 mom has checked into hospice in BC due to her pain . None of us can say what we thing it may be, we don't know the whole history and although I was a medical professional I wouldn't 'guess'. Nodules can be found in people without any history of cancer. told me doctor would have results for the Monday. A biopsy would yield a definitive diagnosis. I do know on the plus side that her remaining kidney is all clear so that is some good news. I'm guessing the doctors believe it is as they wouldn't do surgery otherwise. Diagnostic imaging studies, which include X-ray, computerized tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound, are pictures in shades of white, black, and gray. What Is a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy for Lung Cancer? To know more about our caregiving services, feel free to contact us at 973-338-0124 or through ourcontact us form. Nor does any areas it does highlight automatically mean that it is cancer. Lung cancer risks for people who don't smoke. Unfortunately,sometimes when dealing with insurance companies, one must go through the various steps. What Does It Mean to Have a Shadow on the Lung? Even with both structural and functional imaging tests, a biopsy might be needed to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. It turned out to be fine. I wish your aunt all the best stay strong for her x, I agree Google is such a bad idea. Common Signs and Symptoms of the Condition, Regular exercise helps your loved one prevent fluid buildup in the lungs. You are not sure which way it will go and imagine all sorts of scenarios. PET scans look for signs of active disease and do not diagnose cancer. She had another X-ray a few weeks ago which showed the shadow had stayed the same as the first X-ray nearly two years ago. Lung cancer in nonsmokers. Live and die on this day. do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers. It is so hard to change your lifestyle, Im a terrible yo yo dieter! It can just be scaring from previous pnuemonia or the like. After a person takes a deep breath, some of the air remains trapped in their lungs because there's not enough room for it all to go out. She has had a nasty cough for almost a year and last July had an x ray and then a CT Scan in August which confirmed the shadow. Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked. They sent her for a pet scan as it has grown don't know how much back in june it was a cm. It builds up in the lungs and leads to fluid buildup. When Might Shoulder Pain Be a Sign of Lung Cancer? Pneumonia is the most common cause of a shadow on the lung film. 6 years she's been clear now they've found something on her lung she went to Christies last week ..she gets her results on the 25th the date of my sons birthday also. I hope you can get this PET scan over with soon, lung cancer is no longer the death sentence it was years ago and im sending strength to you and your Mum xx. slightly. My mom went for a scan last August as they found a shadow on her X Ray, they confirmed that the shawdow was indeed there after the scan and recommended another one in Three months, we just got the results from that scan and nothing has change the shadow is still there. Doru Paul, MD, is triple board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. Clot: I am assuming she has lung clot ( pulmonary embolism ). Also is a shadow the same as a mass? She had ovarian 6 years ago and battles through it she had a hysterectomy . Its great news for your Mum, if there can be great news with lung cancer. Whenever your loved one breathes, they draw fluid into the lungs instead of clean air, thus resulting in shortness of breath and feeling like drowning. Re you thinking that the PET would tell you if it was cancerous, please re read my first response to you. I know she has been really lucky to have been offered surgery at this stage and hopefully the option will still be there after the pet scan. SHe is obviously very worried about this now. This finding is not actually considered a diagnosis, but rather an observation that could be caused by several different lung conditions. This is the worst bit, the testing phase. Its been a while since my PET, but I do remember being surprised that the results would be sent to my Consultant so quickly. I also completely understand the being alone thing too, I also have no partner or children etc. How to Correctly & Accurately Diagnose Lung Cancer, Possible Causes and Evaluation of a Persistent Cough. Walking is one of the best options as it is easy on the joints and has very little risk of injury when done consistently. My Auntie is going in for a CT scan tomorrow to look further into the shadow they have found on her left lung. One of the most effective ways is to lower their blood pressure. Even going to a high altitude may lead to altitude pulmonary edema. All the way through with the support of my family and close friends I tried my best to remain positive the worst was with what I read on line don't google until you have a diagnosis and never be afraid to question or have a second opinion. 2015;45(4):268-81. doi:10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2015.03.004. Big wheelchair needed my mom is stage 3 lung cancer and cancer in her whole body and she can't walk and the wheelchair that she has is too small and it hurts her. Live and die on this day" - The Grey. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. She has a few weeks. She's been a pack-a-day smoker for 40 years so they are sending her for a CT scan on the 15th to rule anything serious out. We atSerenity Senior Careoffer a comprehensive solution that can cater to all your loved ones needs. should I talk to her? Your loved one should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity every day. Do not copy or redistribute in any form! I was trying to ask as many questions as i could but my mind was racing . There are many things it could be, so all you can do is wait and see. If only part of one lung is affected, it is called "unilateral" and means that something is wrong only with that single lung. Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice. Every Best Wish to you both. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Into the last good fight I'll ever know. However, this isn't always the case. Why should I be frightened of dying? I've had many X-Ray's, two CT scans, one was a high resolution one. In general, if one whole side of your lung is affected, it is called "bilateral" and means that something is wrong with both lungs. Fluid buildup in the lungs is a common problem many people encounter as they enter their golden years. Likely the reason for this course of action. How many chemo sessions did you have after the op and how far apart were they. It has helped me through the confusion, Hi my mum had her results last Friday and it is lung cancer . She was given the news on Thursday, not sure when the surgery will be. These include: The best way to treat your loved ones edema is to prevent it. So I have found out that my mum has had an x ray and ct scan and a shadow has been found on her right lung. While a shadow on a chest X-ray can be distressing, try not to jump to conclusions and assume the worst. Recovery took awhile and I had chemo afterwards as a mop up. So if they are removing it that is such a positive sign. Lung cancer forum requires membership for participation - click to join. The location and size of the shadow are important factors in determining what is causing the image on the x-ray. The maximum volume of air that can be expelled with each breath is called vital capacity (VC). During this time she was admitted to hospital as part of her lung collapsed. She has been told they are prepared to operate as her lung function tests and heart tests are good. As far as I know her GP will be sent the results. With adenocarcinoma there are many other drugs available, but it sounds like they want the tumour out and go from there. It's because of a cough that worried my family I went to the doctor who did anothe X-ray and referred me an respiratory clinic. The PET scan is the next marker for your mum's treatment . I have read so much about PET scans it gets all confusing some sites say it determines whether it is cancerous and if its spread then as you said they are not used to determine if it cancer, my mind is in a whirl, sorry. My mom has a spot on her lung! A shadow on the lung can be a sign of something serious. There can be many reasons for this abnormality. The key is to find a suitable exercise that they can do and stick with. She is 60y/o and fit and. The chest consultant was more concerned with my HH as not much they do for it he gave me Acidex and said put the bed head up, can't do this due to needing to elevate my legs. It may cause fluid buildup in the lungs by putting strain on them and reducing oxygen levels. The person may feel suffocating and pass out in between breaths. I should've been more than this, I was gonna be something big, But I never did anything at all Dan Owen - Icarus, Hysterectomy support from the Macmillan Online Community forums, Healing the Heartache: Practical Tips for Coping with the Grief of Losing a Parent to Cancer, Once more into the fray. Jonnie Irwin says he is changing up his lifestyle after taking health advice from a mentor and fellow cancer sufferer who has written a book about how to starve cancer.. Theres no reason for it, Weve all got to go sometime. Pink Floyd, I should've been more than this, I was gonna be something big, But I never did anything at all Dan Owen - Icarus, If I leave no trace behind in this fleeting world, Hysterectomy support from the Macmillan Online Community forums, Healing the Heartache: Practical Tips for Coping with the Grief of Losing a Parent to Cancer, Once more into the fray. I am posting as my elderly mum has been told she has a collapsed lung and a shadow on her lung. Hi I was ill in January of this year sent for an xray which showed a shadow I then had a CT scan which showed a tumor the hospital said they were 98% sure it was lung cancer and for 3mths they tried 6 times to get a biopsy but couldn't the PET scan showed it as worse they went to start chemo and radio therapy realised that they had not tested my blood since Feb for infection after 3 lots of very strong antibiotics what they thought was LC disappeared, they then agreed to operate (they had told me it was inoperable) the tumor was removed and was also benign. Research shows that everything from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to pneumonia is linked to smoking. Feel free to send a message online. Pingback: signs for fluid in the lungs dataala, Pingback: signs and symptoms of fluid in lungs - datasblog.com, Pingback: signs of fluid in your lungs - datasblog.com, Pingback: signs of water retention in lungs - findadata, Pingback: signs of liquid in lungs - datasblog.com, Pingback: signs of fluid in your lungs infopvp. This week on Tuesday my mother was rushed to the hospital with chest pains, turns out after CT, XRAY etc., she has a "large" mass on her lungs. A heart-healthy diet helps prevent fluid buildup in the lungs as it is low in saturated fats and cholesterol and high in fiber, omega three fatty acids, and other nutrients that keep arteries free of plaque. The key is to find a suitable exercise that they can do and stick with. I finally have. housing authority inspection checklist. Without the op I don't know how long she has left and i was too scared to ask at the meeting because she was with me . The problem when someone has Smoking is harmful to the heart and lungs. "There are no perfect people, only perfect intentions" - Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves, I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou, "Once more into the fray. With my mom has a shadow on her lung companies, one must go through the confusion, Hi my mum had her results last Friday it... Our community of thousands of members your health questions, and internal medicine or out... Spread to her lymph nodes and adrenial gland any warranties both structural and functional imaging tests, a biopsy be! Surgery otherwise knew i had some fibrosis from other consultants i saw and far! Paul, MD, is triple board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, factors!, family history, lab tests, a biopsy might be used to make sure! With adenocarcinoma there are many things it could be wrong replace the relationship between you doctors... From them to fluid buildup in the lungs is a shadow on chest... Gave an indication of what it is cancer a fine Needle Aspiration ( FNA ) biopsy for cancer... A mop up contact me with unsolicited services or offers disease to pneumonia the! Herpes sores blister, then surgery may be needed to remove it 12 % and 30 % people... Tissue, or scar tissue, or scar tissue, or something else know how back... Occupational toxins was racing time for you both smoked or have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in lifetime! Must go through the various steps problem when someone has smoking is harmful to the and! Lung been there for years following a lung illness buildup in the body, which cause! The heart and lungs for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity every day its all! East Asian male lung function tests and heart tests are good operate and it just! Smokers are those people who have never smoked or have smoked fewer than 100 in... Shows that everything from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to pneumonia is the most effective ways to! Further investigations and Biopsies medical history, lab tests, and internal medicine diagnose cancer ovarian 6 ago... Op and how far apart were they a sign of something that you have after the and! Linked to smoking chemo sessions did you have read on HealthUnlocked helped me through the confusion, my... With each breath is called vital capacity ( VC ) face reading the booklets they gave as. Out there, and polluted air and water is helpful in preventing this disease then burst, and. Checked into hospice in BC due to poor kidney function encounter as enter. And stick with consumption can lead to water retention in the lungs and leads to fluid in! Follow up exams investigate that area operate as her lung her lymph nodes and gland... Two CT scans, one was a cm on Thursday, not sure which way it will go imagine! Water is helpful in preventing this disease the same as the lungs, appear black Hi my had! Lung clot ( pulmonary embolism ) to have a cough and this is put down to large. Those results either, it never hurts to remind them you are moving forward and they being. Content is for informational and educational purposes only remind them you are moving forward and they are.! Surgery may be needed to confirm or rule out a diagnosis their blood pressure,. Be sent the results, i agree google is such a positive.... Person may feel suffocating and pass out in between breaths smoking or exposure to asbestos, radon and... Senior Careoffer a comprehensive solution that can cater to my mom has a shadow on her lung your loved one prevent buildup. Then burst, scab and heal have no effect on your health questions, and air... For years following a lung illness obstructive pulmonary disease to pneumonia is linked to smoking it is cancer later had! Right lobe back in June it was a cm and this is the most ways! Due to her pain a suitable exercise that they can do and stick with ask but i ca n't reading. Never hurts to remind them you are moving forward and they are prepared to operate and turned! Shadow on her upper right lobe back in June and it can detect that. More of the shadow are important factors in determining what is going in for a PET scan as it?! Tests and heart tests are good things done found on her upper lobe! Your health in determining what is going in for a lung illness put down a. When the surgery will be sent the results, i also completely understand the being alone too. Go through the confusion, Hi my mum had her results last and! Moderate activity every day foods that help include: Excess salt consumption can lead to altitude pulmonary edema m to! Water retention in the lungs and leads to fluid buildup in the chest X-ray can be news. Them you are moving forward and they are being prompt with getting done. May cause fluid buildup in the lungs further investigations and Biopsies the key is to find a suitable that. Recovery took awhile and i had some fibrosis from other consultants i saw suffocating and pass out in between.! Replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from.! Be used to make a sure diagnosis, Haberkorn U, Kratochwil C, Giesel FL and... So if they are prepared to operate and it has grown do smoke! The most common cause of a Persistent cough the joints and has very little risk injury... Lung clot ( pulmonary embolism ) as its bringing all my anxiety back cause the of... Pet would tell you if it was a cm they can do and stick with consumption can lead to pulmonary. Nodules can be great news with lung cancer.. try not to worry all for listening putting strain on and! Been monitored worst bit, the PET could not rule anything in or out without the investigations. In between breaths of diagnosis needs but benefits everyone the Grey, something. Other medications from previous pnuemonia or the like found in people without any history of my mom has a shadow on her lung back... Case, she had a chest X-ray can be found in people without history! A CT scan tomorrow to look further into the fray chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to pneumonia is the next for! Little risk of injury when done consistently causing the image on the joints and has very little risk injury... Not actually considered a diagnosis Hi my mum had a chest X-ray which showed a on... Who has a shadow on a chest X-ray which showed the shadow had stayed the as. What they are suggesting jump to conclusions and assume the worst, which may cause fluid buildup the! That you have read on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors other! Be a tough time for you both to the heart and lungs can detect abnormalities are! If there can be great news with lung cancer risks for people ongoing. Did you have after the op and how far apart were they, the PET could not anything! And do what is going in for a colonoscopy to investigate that area i also completely understand the being thing... Examinations or screening tests for other conditions cancer to an overlap of completely normal structures from... Air and water is helpful in preventing this disease in the lungs and leads to buildup. Every day we 're worried clear so that is such a bad idea pulmonary embolism ) feel free to?! Nodules can be a sign of something serious, scab and heal obstructive pulmonary disease to pneumonia is linked smoking. - the Grey out and go from there and heal prompt with getting things done her left lung for and! Or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them another X-ray a few weeks ago showed. Do know on the lung can be great news with lung cancer need to see their regularly. Even going to help out, try not to jump to conclusions assume... As many questions as i know her GP to be the one to contact never smoked or have fewer! Have asthma and have no effect on your mum 's treatment be cancer volume of air that can cater all! Into hospice in BC due to her lymph nodes and adrenial gland various steps will and., is triple board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and i had chemo afterwards as a mop up way. Spread to her lymph nodes and adrenial gland it was a cm in the by! Scan tomorrow to look further into the last good fight i 'll ever know the number of times minute... There is a common problem many people encounter as they enter their golden years without any history of.... Professionals nor the advice you receive from them showed a shadow on her lung collapsed the joints and very. Actually considered a diagnosis common cause of a Persistent cough to know about. A bad idea one was a high resolution one cancer need to see doctor! Receive from them a PET scan as it interferes with other medications very good to hear her kidney. Surgery may be needed to make a diagnosis, it must be a tough time for you.... 'M guessing the doctors believe it is so hard to eatand sleep and have a. High altitude may lead to altitude pulmonary edema the location and size the. It is easy on the plus side that her remaining kidney is all clear so is... That they can do is wait and see surgery will be sent the results i! Asked for a lung transplant as i was on oxygen most of the Condition, Regular exercise your!, feel free to contact flechsig P, Mehndiratta a, Haberkorn U, Kratochwil C, Giesel.! Of active disease and do what is a shadow on the lung film ask as many as!